Here’s to Western’s Crew

5

| June 24, 2010

I'm writing to commend Wade Wixom, Steve Wiley, Cory Keller and Brad for their work during our recent trip down the Grand Canyon. The trip left Lee's Ferry on June 24. I had heard good things about your organization in general and your guides in particular before we started the trip, but I did not really expect the treatment we received. Your boat leaders, Wade and Wiley, were exceptional. They complimented each other with their knowledge of the river, its history and hidden treasures, their wit, wisdom and tremendous organizational skills. And I haven't even mentioned their cooking or entertainment skills. A special thanks go to Wiley for entertaining the group with his singing and guitar playing.

Back to food..........These guys can cook. I cook a lot myself, but the food they prepared was unexpected. Bananas flambee' and ice cream? Come on! Brad cooked two cakes the last night, iced them and scripted messages on both.

Getting 36 people, mostly unknown to each other, to coexist for 6 days in these conditions is a challenge and not without surprises. Although some in the group were professional whiners, your crew handled the issues admirably. Wade and Wiley are excellent boat guides, always ready to serve our needs and were always safety-conscious. Cub and Brad were equally good in their rolls. Cub was considered near heroic in preventing a potential injury by jumping over people to save a passenger from going over the side of the raft right in the middle of Hermit rapid. And although Brad didn't have to react to any emergencies, he was ready to. You would never have known it was Brad's first trip rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon in that capacity. Everyone felt safe with him around.

I'm in the service industry myself with Eastern Mountain Sports, a retailer, and I know the importance of good customer service and 'word of mouth' marketing. You can rely on me to spread the word about WRE and its employees. Thanks again and I hope to see you on the river again soon.